Pearson and HarperCollins to close New Zealand operations

12.06.13 | The Bookseller - Bookseller staff

Pearson is to close its New Zealand educational business at the end of August, while HarperCollins has also announced it will shutter its distribution operations in the country.

The separate announcements were made today (12th June). Pearson has decided to close its New Zealand educational arm after a review into its New Zealand education operations at the end of May, according to the trade paper Books + Publishing. The move is not thought to affect Penguin New Zealand or Pearson’s educational arm in Australia. The exact number of positions to be made redundant has not been released.
David Barnett, chief executive of Pearson Australia and New Zealand, said: “Over the last few years it has become clear that our current business model is no longer appropriate. This was not an easy decision to make and comes after many months of discussion as well as a two-week consultation process with our people. Our focus right now continues to be on their welfare at this difficult time.”

Barnett added that the publisher would continue to sell products in New Zealand via a local distributor.
Meanwhile, HarperCollins has said it would close its distribution operations in New Zealand and switch supply of the NZ market to its warehouses in Australia at the end of July. Support services for New Zealand would also be carried out from Sydney offices in future, the company said. HarperCollins Australia and New Zealand chief executive James Kellow said the company was still “committed to publishing New Zealand books for New Zealand readers” and would continue to maintain a local publishing programme. He added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our wonderful staff for their loyalty and commitment to HarperCollins NZ over many years of successful publishing, and also for their generous patience and understanding during this difficult time.”

The number of positions to be made redundant in HarperCollins distribution in New Zealand has not yet been confirmed.

And the editorial in the NZ Listener on the subject.

And from QuoteUnquote

• RELATED STORIES

• SoA warns publishers over e-book loans to librariesThe Society of Authors has ...
• Apple releases iBooks for MacsApple's next updated ve...
• Murray and Sargent testify in price-fixing caseHarperCollins signed with A...
• HC looks ahead with AhernHarperCollins is planning a...
• Avon adds digital highlight to e-book thrillerHarperCollins imprint Avon ...